Delacruz’s Hopes for Schwarber Join Reds

Elie Delacruz, the Reds’ shortstop, had high hopes for a significant addition to the lineup this offseason.

Prior to Kyle Schwarber’s five-year, $150 million deal to remain with the Phillies in December, Delacruz imagined that the three-time All-Star might join the Reds.

“I thought I could get him,” Delacruz mentioned in a recent interview. “That sounded like fun.”

He also recalled seeing Schwarber at a workout session at the Reds’ facility while the player was visiting Cincinnati as a free agent. They exchanged a few words during that time.

Earlier in the offseason, there were speculations hinting that Schwarber, originally from Ohio, might sign with the Reds. Reports suggested they were looking to offer him a five-year contract worth $125 million.

In the end, Schwarber decided to stay with the Phillies but acknowledged being “impressed” by the Reds after their meeting.

“I was impressed,” Schwarber told MLB.com back in December. “My wife Paige and I went to Cincinnati, and we were able to sit down and talk to them and listen to their stories. I felt they were genuinely interested in bringing me to Cincinnati.”

Delacruz wasn’t alone in thinking Schwarber could land in Cincinnati. His Phillies teammate Bryce Harper suggested earlier in February that he believed Schwarber was leaning towards a Reds signing.

“Kyle thought he was going to Cincinnati, to tell the truth,” Harper said. “I thought I was going to Cincinnati just because I was home and stuff like that.”

Harper further added that they had joked around with Schwarber about him returning home to play for the fans.

Schwarber, who began his career in 2025, had an impressive season, boasting a .240/.365/.563 slash line. He led the National League with 56 home runs and topped MLB with 132 RBIs, marking him as a sought-after hitter in free agency.